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A descriptive study on doctors' practices regarding different aspects of stroke rehabilitation in private acute-care hospitals situated in the Western Cape metropole

Leichtfuss, Ute (2009-12)

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2009.

A research assignment submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in
rehabilitation at Stellenbosch University

Thesis

ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction: Stroke is a growing healthcare problem in South Africa. It contributes
significantly to the burden of disease and is the largest cause of disability. Rehabilitation
can significantly improve recovery and outcomes of stroke survivors particularly if
implemented in the correct manner and through using certain approaches.
The aim of this study was to examine the practice of doctors with regards to stroke
rehabilitation in private acute-care hospitals in the Western Cape Metropole. In particular,
attention has been given to the degree to which doctors in the private health care sector
shared information with first time stroke patients.
The study design was retrospective and descriptive in nature.
Data collection was primarily of a quantitative nature although some qualitative data has
been collected to elaborate on quantitative findings. Two self-designed questionnaires
were used to collect data. Data from doctor-participants were collected to examine the
use of care protocols. Data from both groups of participants were collected to determine
which practices were prefered. In particular it was sought to ascertain what team work
approach was favoured by doctors. To do this the method of communication among team
members was examined. It was also sought to ascertain how information regarding
diagnosis, prognosis, risk factors, post–acute rehabilitation options and discharge planning
was shared. In total thirty-five doctors and forty-eight patients were interviewed.
Quantitative data was captured on an excel spreadsheet and analysed with the help of a
STATISTICA software package. A p value of less than 0.05 was deemed statistically
significant.
Results showed that none of the doctor participants had any formal rehabilitation
qualification. It was found that stroke care protocols were used by 46% of doctor
participants, while 89% acknowledged the advantages of a set protocol. The majority of
doctors (57%) operated as part of a multidisciplinary team. Communication between team
members regarding the patient’s management plan was done on a very informal basis with
only 11% of doctors using ward rounds and none using team meetings for this purpose.
Opinions differed between the two study groups on the frequency of information sessions
(p = .00039). Only six % of doctors included the patient and family in the rehabilitation
team. A large discrepancy was seen when it came to opinions on sharing information
regarding diagnosis, prognosis, stroke risk factors, post-acute rehabilitation and discharge planning. P values ranging from 0.00013 to 0.0041 showed that the difference between
the opinions of patients and doctors on these issues was statistically significant. Opinions
also differed between the two groups when the frequency of information sessions was
compared (p = 0.00039). Only 28% of patient participants were included in the decisionmaking
process regarding further post-acute rehabilitation and in most cases the final
decision was made by the doctor or the medical insurance company. Qualitative data
highlighted some patients’ dissatisfaction regarding the post-acute rehabilitation process
and indicated a problem with regard to the recognition of early stroke warning signs by
general practitioners and the emergency treatment of these.
The conclusion was that there is a great need for further motivation and education of
doctors with respect to advanced research projects, further specialisation as well as the
implementation of important rehabilitation modalities. It is also important that the patient
himself acts as a fully-fledged team member.
Recommendations were that administrators in both, the private and public health care
sectors as well as non-government organisations and government welfare organisations
identify the reasons for doctors’ hesitation to implement existing knowledge; that they
make stroke rehabilitation training available and that they ensure that doctors implement
the existing and new knowledge on all aspects of acute and post-acute stroke
rehabilitation i.e. use of set care protocols, team work approach and sharing information
on diagnosis, prognosis, risk factors, post–acute rehabilitation options and discharge
planning when managing stroke patients. It was also recommended to promote more
research projects which are implemented in the private health care sector.